Set in Washington, D.C., and using many actual locations, Advise & Consent (1962) was based on Allen Drury's Pulitzer Prize–winning novel of the same name and follows the consequences of a presidential nomination for secretary of state of a man with a hidden past (Henry Fonda) who commits perjury during the confirmation proceedings. Peter Lawford (who was J.F.K.'s brother-in-law in real life) plays a senator from Rhode Island modeled on Kennedy and Betty White (in her film debut) plays a young senator from Kansas; the film also includes one of Gene Tierney's last roles. Otto Preminger was nominated for 1962 Cannes Film Festival Palme d'Or; Burgess Meredith received a National Board of Review Award as Best Supporting Actor for his role as a surprise witness; and Charles Laughton, in his last film appearance, was nominated for a BAFTA award for his portrayal of a senator from South Carolina.

"Preminger has endowed his production with wholly capable performers.... The characterizations come through with fine clarity."—Variety